Two oil tankers reverse course in Red Sea following Yemen navigation ban on Saudi shipping

AGENCIES, July 21 (YPA) – Two oil tankers loaded with Saudi crude reversed course in the Red Sea following military directives from Sanaa imposing a navigation ban on Saudi maritime traffic, “Reuters” news agency reported on Tuesday.

Citing maritime tracking data, Reuters confirmed that “two tankers carrying Saudi oil are turning back in the Red Sea following Yemeni threats.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Reuters reported that shipping companies received electronic communications from authorities in Sanaa warning them against loading or unloading cargo at Saudi ports.

According to the agency, Sanaa informed shipping operators that engaging with Saudi ports would expose non-compliant vessels to sanctions and targeting within the operational scope of the Yemeni Armed Forces.

The reports also highlighted immediate market repercussions, noting a sharp rise in Red Sea marine insurance premiums following the declaration of the maritime ban. Reuters noted that Saudi Aramco—the world’s largest oil exporter—relies heavily on the Red Sea port of Yanbu, which falls within the affected navigation area.

YPA